Campaign Phone
3072401305
Following retirement from the US Marines in 2021, my wife Summer and I began to attend council meetings to better understand city government. With the unexpected loss of Mayor Richardson and the reorganization of the council I was appointed to represent Ward 2. I believe that my educational background, 20 years of planning/operational experience and worldwide exposure bring a unique approach to an already very talented team within city hall. The feedback I have received is that my participation over the last year has been value added to the debates/decisions of the council.
Because of the complexity of the question which we have been wrestling with as a council, this question truly deserves a much longer and more nuanced answer than can be delivered in a short form answer. That being said, please review the rich debates and discussions we have had over the spring and early summer meetings this year. In short, I am in strong agreement that funding these services is critical, but I have argued in the debates that funding these through an economic development effort is incorrect and/or disingenuous.
Lander has struggled with a shortage of housing for quite some time—it is a quintessential “wicked problem” (a complex challenge which is extremely difficult, or impossible, to solve definitively)
Potential policy options :
a) pursue state/federal support for the building of low-income housing
b) increase density in existing residential zones
c) annex nearby residential areas
d) incentivize builders/developers to spur more construction
These options, in combination, perhaps could help to address the issue, but I believe I could only support options A and D.
I believe Lander is the quintessential vibrant and livable small American city. Our community overflows with blessings—engaged neighbors, innovative business owners, solutions-oriented government, beautiful public spaces, safe streets, great schools, and talented people. Even when we disagree, we remain respectful and kind. Of course Lander faces challenges, but we work together to manage and solve the challenges we face together as a community. Lander is livable because we are determined to see our small city thrive.
Campaign Phone
3073999232
I’m running for Lander City Council because I’ve truly fallen in love with this community and the people who make it what it is. Lander is a special place, and I want to give back by offering my experience and knowledge in service to it. Too often, I see people trying to reach their representatives and feeling like no one is listening. I believe good leadership starts with being available, approachable, and willing to listen. I have a large range of experience from IT, Engineering, Finance, Tax Dollar Stewardship, Grant Management, Shared Governance, and Leadership.
Given the reduction to property tax we do need to finds a way to pay for these services. The ballot language offers a simple question with an MOU to determine the % ea receives, to be reviewed annually and changed if elected officials choose. There is not enough charters in this answer to truly answer the why so please email me and we can write back and forth or we can setup a coffee hour. The FCAG JPB did great leg work on evaluating this and the councils have, hopefully, put in time looking closely at this.
The biggest challenge we face is the long-term, or sustainability, of building supply. What we should do is ensure there is ample infrastructure, and opportunities for the people to build. We should also evaluate our zoning and find ways to improve what we have already as well as ensure we are evaluating our short term housing impacts on our long term supply . In the end people matter most and we should always be listening.
build a beautiful garden and the butterflies will come... if not, then you still have a beautiful garden.
I think that a town that honors traditions of their community, values people, and finds ways to give opportunities to everyone is a good start. I want to see more walkable towns, well used community areas, and safe environment to every person to thrive.
